Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

241. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a bike life report will be compiled for other cities and regions of the State other than Dublin. [19990/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I very much welcome the publication by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Sustrans of the Bike Life survey report for the Dublin Metropolitan Area, which I understand is the first time ever a report has been produced by Sustrans for a city / city region outside of the United Kingdom, albeit Belfast is included within its UK surveys.

This Bike Life survey report demonstrates the health, economic and environmental benefits associated with cycling and, with the investment in cycling planned under this Government, I want to see even further increases in those benefits in the coming years. While this survey relates to the Dublin Metropolitan Area, I think its findings echo throughout the country. Indeed the nationwide relevance of Bike Life’s findings can be seen in the most recent National Travel Survey as published on Wednesday which reiterated the finding that people want to see safer cycling routes developed.

It is clear to me, backed up by evidence such as that provided by Bike Life and the National Travel Survey, that people want to see more investment in walking, cycling and public transport – and that’s exactly what this Government plans to do in the next few years.

In relation to whether the Bike Life survey might be extended to other Irish cities in future years I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NTA for direct reply. Please inform my private office if you not receive a reply within 10 workings days.